Teacher Blogs

My son and his friends use the word ‘twin” to show their respect for a shared interest or to compliment each other. It’s the 17-year-old equivalent of me writing “same” to my group chat. I’ve always loved these little connections, times when we acknowledge our shared humanity. I also loved when everyone in the theater was saying, “Hey Barbie!” My all-time favorite movie to teach though, is Zootopia, so my expectations were low with the sequel; however, I am thrilled that Zootopia 2 picks up...

Are cell phone bans helping students focus—or creating new challenges? 📵 This Close Up blog breaks down state policies, classroom impacts, and what supporters and critics are saying.

Last year, I shared how this project sprouted from the idea that if we’re going to teach American history honestly, then women can’t be treated like footnotes. They certainly weren’t footnotes in real life. Now here we are, heading into 2026, with a record-breaking number of women governors about to be sworn in. So it feels like the exact right moment to zoom out and ask: How did we get here? Who paved this road? And whose names did we conveniently skip over in the textbook and history...

Media literacy matters more than ever. 📚 Help students think critically, analyze information, and become informed young citizens. Explore tips + strategies in this blog.

Observation day doesn’t have to feel like a dog and pony show. 🐕🐎 Amber Chandler shares honest insights + helpful strategies to help your teaching shine—without the stress. Read more!

This post was updated in November 2025 to include new resources and seasonal teaching ideas. Over the years, I’ve seen some hilarious memes comparing teachers at the beginning of the school year to teachers at the end of the school year (see below); but honestly, those last couple of weeks before the holiday break seem to be really difficult for many educators. Not only do you have the promise of the impending break and start to mentally check out, but students are more than happy to prepare...

50 years of civil rights for students with disabilities—and the urgency continues. Heidy Goger shares why this moment matters for every educator. Read the blog today!

Concerned about autism misinformation? Get the science, not the spin. Health experts explain what autism is—and isn’t—so educators can better support students and families.

Feeling a bit “Defying Gravity”? 💚 Amber Chandler shares 3 lessons from Wicked to help educators face challenges, tap into emotions, and move forward with intention. Read more!

Educators grow when we lean into new ideas, stretch our skills, and take thoughtful risks. 🌟 Read this blog from Amber Chandler on how stepping forward can transform your practice.

Do you remember doing projects when you were a student? My teachers typically assigned everyone a standard project; we completed them and turned them in and then received a grade. It wasn’t very rigorous, creative, or engaging. Today, many teachers turn to project-based learning and problem-based learning. Let’s look at how they compare. It’s one thing to describe the difference between the two, but another to look at actual samples. Let’s look at project-based learning and problem-based...

📱 School cellphone bans: helpful or harmful? See what researchers & educators say about balancing focus, learning & safety. Read more!